Mesothelioma Patient Stories
When people share their stories two things happen: 1). It helps to describe our
experiences and to process what has happenedin our lives. It
is an important part of the healing process. And 2). our stories
can help others in many ways. Sharing hard to find information,
uncovering facts to help make decisions, learning what to expect
as time goes on, and avoiding the mistakes others have made,
can all contribute to a being part of a sharing and caring
community.
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Judy Buckles Story
On October 11, 1997, I lost my 53-year-old husband to mesothelomia.
As my daughter and I kneeled beside his bed that day holding
this frail hands, we prayed to God to take him home and release
his living soul from the horrific pain which destroyed not
only his dreams, but also his dignity, and most importantly
his pride in being the strong man who had devoted his life
to taking care of his family.
Lewis, my husband, was diagnosed on March
17, 1996 with mesothelomia, the only known cause of which is
asbestos exposure. He had been a boilermaker for 30 years.
He had worked at power plants, refineries, and various other
sites that used the deadly products. He worked hard to provide
for his family, not knowing his life would be taken by the
manufacturers that hid the risks of their products.
To read all of Judy's story, please visit
the following site:
Mesothelioma Care Community lets you share
your experiences so that everyone may benefit from each other's
experience and provide support. This is a place where mesothelioma
patients and their family members can share their experiences
and discuss how they have coped or are coping with this disease.
The site also provides practical advice
on how to deal with the emotional and physical pain of mesothelioma
as well as the various types of support you may need and how
to get them.
Other Messages from the Community:
Advice?
My husband was in the US Coast Guard for
14 years and during this time he worked on ships, in ship yards
and we as a family were exposed to asbestos in housing when
they renovating it. For the past two years he has been in increasing
and excruciating abdominal pain and has continued to go downhill.
He moans in his sleep and his legs shake constantly. He has
high calcium levels in his blood and he is to have surgery
tomorrow for what they think might be hyperparathyroidism.
They think this will take care of his abdominal pain, but I
feel it is not going to. His abdomen is so much bigger than
the rest of his body and the doctor's can't really seem to
find why he is in so much pain. How do I get anyone to listen
and consider mesothelioma? does this sound like it could be
what it is? I am watching him die right before my eyes and
it doesn't seem like there is anything I can do. Any advice
would be appreciated.
Effects of the pain medication?
They have my father on pain medication,
oxicodone (I think that is the name) ...I believe 40 Miligrams.....one
is slow reaction and the other is supposed to kick right in.
His voice seems to slur and my mother said that sometimes his
face starts to droop. I live 45 minutes from them and drive
out in the middle of the night.. because she get so scared
and calls 911 (they have been married 44 years) I don't blame
her at all. She needs to be safe. The medics have been great
and say that it is probably from the meds....I did agree with
them at the time.
Did anyone have a family member whos voice
really slurred from the meds? See, I am now starting to question
if he might have a stroke. He says he is in so much pain......I
have so many questions for the Doctor. If anyone has key questions
I would appreciate the info? I am writing down things that
I am learning from this site. This disease has just consumed
our whole family. I just feel so bad for my dad and mom. She
just lost her mother 6 months ago. Again, I want to pray for
everyone because I know that this is not only happening to
us.
Looking for information...
Hi Everyone,
My 64 father was just diagnosed with mesothelioma on Tuesday.
He has an appointment with Dr. Sugarbaker this coming Tuesday,
and I was just wondering if there are any questions we should
know beforehand to make sure and ask? We are all so overwhelmed
by this disease, and everything is happening so fast we just
want to make sure our bases are covered. Are operations performed
on persons his age? He is in excellent health. Has been a jogger,
biker, and Appalachian Trail hiker up until this summer.
Any help you all could give us would be so appreciated....
Mesothelioma Care Community
The Community is available to all Mesothelioma patients and
families around the world. There is no cost to use the site.
Family's Encounter with Mesothelioma Published
A Must Read for Mesothelioma victims / families and those affected by cancer
of any kind.
 |
“Lean on Me: Cancer Through a Carer’s Eyes”, by Lorraine Kember, is a powerfully
moving and inspirational true story of a courageous man’s
battle with mesothelioma cancer and his wife’s emotional
journey as she supports him throughout his ordeal.
Interspersed with diary excerpts and poems she wrote along the way, this very
personal account depicts the depth of their love for
each other, the sense of helplessness she experienced
at the time of his diagnosis, and her growing strength
as she comes to realize that there is much she can do
to improve the quality of his life. |
| Understanding
pain, pain management, and symptom control is detailed
throughout, and insights into chemotherapy, palliative
care and the benefits of dying at home are explored. This
book provides hope and strength for mesothelioma patients
and their families. |
|
